WATCH: Manila gov’t starts no-contact apprehension, dispels lockdown rumors

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced that starting this Monday, a 24-hour no-contact apprehension program will be implemented in the city with a fine of up to P 5,000.

Moreno launched the program during a ceremony held at the intersection of Quirino Avenue and Taft Avenue in Malate, cautioning motorists to “drive safely or risk being caught by the city’s digital traffic eye and pay a huge fine.”

“With NCAP (no-contact apprehension program), panatag ako knowing that traffic violators are always caught and identified, especially sa gabi,” Moreno said in a statement

(With NCAP, I feel assured knowing that traffic violators are always caught and identified, especially at night.)

“Most importantly, even during typhoons or other similar situations, these cameras can function on their own,” he added.

Under the City Ordinance 8696, those who will be caught with the following violations will pay a fine of P 2,000 for the first offense, P 3,000 for the second offense, and P 4,000 for the third offense:

• Disobedience to traffic control signals and signs
• Obstruction of the pedestrian lane
• Driving over a yellow box
• Over speeding
• Failure to use Motorcycle helmets
• Disregarding lane markings

Meanwhile, a fine of P 3,000 for the first offense, P 4,000 for the second offense, and P 5,000 for the third offense are imposed for those who will violate the following rules and regulations:

• Counterflow driving
• Reckless driving
• Failure to wear a seatbelt
• Anti-distracted driving
• Driving an unregistered vehicle
• Failure to attach or improper attachment/tampering of an authorized vehicle license plate and/or third plate sticker

According to Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau Director Dennis Viaje, there are CCTV cameras installed along the streets of Manila to monitor motorists.

“Matatakot ang mga walang disiplina sa kalsada kasi wala na silang lusot. Kapag may disiplina, diyan aasenso ang bayan, tandaan nyo ‘yan, kaya dito sa Maynila titiyakin ko na mangunguna tayo diyan,” Moreno emphasized.

(Those who don’t follow road discipline should be afraid because they can no longer get away with anything. Always remember that a city will thrive if there is discipline. I will make sure that the City of Manila will be a pioneer in that.)

Moreno also clarified that there is no lockdown in the city. However, he emphasized that he will implement a lockdown if he sees a spike in the city’s COVID-19 cases.

“Today until December 31, walang lockdown as Maynila. Pero pag pumalo yung COVID ihihinto ko ang lahat. Di ako magdadalawang-sip i-lockdown ang Maynila to prepare citizens,” he said.

(Today until December 31, there is no lockdown in the City of Manila. However, if our COVID-19 cases increase, I will not hesitate to put Manila under lockdown to prepare the citizens.)

He also reminded every citizen to be responsible during the holiday season.

JE